China's top singles player Li Na may need surgery on her injured knee but will be fit for the Beijing Olympics, according to a leading China Tennis Association official.

The world number 29's injury has kept her off court since February's Antwerp Open and she will be out for at least another three weeks, CTA deputy director Gao Shenyang said.

"The injury won't hamper her participation in the Beijing Games in August, but I think we should take it seriously."

Li, 25, made an impressive return after a six-month absence due to a chest injury last year, winning the Gold Coast title and reaching the Antwerp semi-finals.

But the knee injury forced her to withdraw from tournaments in Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami.

The CTA has made injury prevention a top priority before the Olympics after a string of injuries hampered 2006 Wimbledon quarter-finalist Li and grand slam doubles champion Zheng Jie during the 2007 season.

"We will employ overseas trainers and doctors to make sure injuries won't happen again on the national team," Gao said.

"Otherwise we will be struggling to reach our Olympic goal in August."

Reuters